What do hormones actually do—and why are they often misunderstood? We talk with Dr. Gillian Goddard, an endocrinologist and author of The Hormone Loop: An Empowering Guide to Restoring Hormonal Harmony from Puberty to Menopause. Dr. Goddard explains how hormones affect far more than reproduction, influencing everything from metabolism and sleep to mood, stress responses, and cardiovascular health.
She breaks down the concept of the "hormone loop" and explains the four major hormonal systems that work together to keep our bodies functioning: reproductive, thyroid, growth hormone, and adrenal (stress) loops. The conversation explores how hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can affect the entire body—not just reproductive health.
We also discuss why women's symptoms are so often dismissed, how cultural attitudes about hormones can prevent women from seeking care, and why tracking symptoms can help patients advocate for themselves more effectively.
Other topics include:
The relationship between estrogen, the immune system, and thyroid disorders
Hormone replacement therapy: benefits, misconceptions, and current research
The role of GLP-1 medications in midlife health and weight management
Here's where you can find Dr. Goddard:
@thesavvypatient on IG
https://savvypatient.substack.com
Buy THE HORMONE LOOP: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780063455047
What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.
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